Chimaera prices

The slightly different way of assessing Chimaera prices didn’t suit everyone. Probably anyone going by the comments I received, so here is a more standard interpretation.

The most noticeable fact is the variation between Trade and Private prices, not always favouring the former it would appear.

Unsure what a Cat D write off is? Here is an explanation given by the AA. A write off is a damaged or stolen car for which the insurance company has decided to pay an agreed value rather than pay for the cost of repairs. Depending on which category the vehicle is classed, some may be repaired and returned to the road. The general rule is that a a car marked Category D looses a considerable amount of value and cat C even more so. In the case of cat D, if the repair has ben completed by a reputable garage to a high standard then you could bag a bargain. But when you come to sell, the price you get will not reflect its condition.

Write offs

Eeny, meany, miney, mo

The next most popular question on the subject of buying is which to go for. I refer my correspondents to the answer I gave earlier.

One thing that does come up fairly often is what do you get for the extra money for a Griffith over a Chimaera.

Let us start with a description of the Chimaera options first.

There are three different engines in the main, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0. I’ve driven them back to back and the difference in performance is noticeable. But away from comparative testing, the 4.0 is a very fast car, fast enough to get you into trouble. If you come into a Rover V8-engined car from something a bit more normal you will be impressed. It is awe inspiring. However, it is a common comment that after a few months you become used to the performance and you end up wanting that bit more. However, this is not a reason to buy a 5.0. I was chatting to a chap who had installed a supercharger on a 4.5 who told me that within three months he wanted more. Indeed I’m told some people have opted for twin superchargers.

You will always want more.

The only time the difference between a 4.0 and a 4.5 and 5.0 is obvious is on a track. A 4.0 will be left struggling. On a road it can become noticeable but only if the 4.5 in front of you is being driven with a cavalier attitude to the Road Traffic Act. I’ve not fallen behind any convoy I’ve been in.

That said, I’d prefer a 5.0 or even a 4.5 over a 4.0 every time. It is a shame I could not afford one. That, to me, is the only question: Cost.

Whether a Griffith is better looking than a Chim is down to personal taste. You tell me. Or rather, don’t. Over and above looks, what do you get for all that extra money if you buy a Griffith? You get quite a bit less boot space. Many of us Chim owners have made the odd comment to those struggling to put a roof into their boot. But that is about it. The later Chims had the same chassis set-up as the Griffs and even the earlier ones were all but identical.

Which is cheaper to own?

Not an easy one to answer. Whilst the Griff costs considerably more for similar spec, there is the suggestion that they will increase in price. Over the last year it would seem (I’m saying no more than that) that prices have bottomed out and might well be on the up. Given the financial situation at the moment this has to be very good news. But that said, given the current financial situation, is it likely to go on?

Chim prices, especially for the 4.0, have got to the stage where as long as you don’t pay top dollar, if you keep your car in good nick and don’t do high mileage, depreciation is likely to be very low. But that too is given the current financial situation.

If the cost is what is concerning you then buy a Chim and put by the money you save in purchase price and invest it in ISAs. This is likely to give you a much better return on your investment than buying a Griff.

My advice, the one I have given to all those who have emailed me, is buy the one you want. If it is a Griffith, then go for it if you can afford it. If you prefer the Chim, then ignore all the stuff about better investment and buy one.

In the current financial situation, not to mention the problems in north Africa and the middle east, prices can go down as well as plummet.

The most notable change in the characteristics of the Chimaera is the fact that for cars 99 onward, there were 29 for sale. Two, just two, of these wre private sale, the rest were trade. This seems to indicate to me a significant trend over the past few months. Whereas this time last year trade all but ignored the Chimaera, now, with the scarcity of Griffiths, they are looking elsewhere for their stock. This will increase the second hand prices of all Chims or, perhaps, stop them dropping at least.

Prices

See Buying for further information on what to look for when buying Chims and Griffs.

Griffiths

I’ve been asked how I ‘justify the prices’ and whether I’m getting help from any dealers regarding them. Firstly, I do talk to a few dealers but it is fair to say they tell me sod all about prices. But then that’s their livelihood so you can’t blame them. Secondly, I don’t justify the prices, merely do the calculations. Sometimes the answers confuse me as much as anyone.

For the Chim, see below, I think there is a significant change starting. I’ve made my little prediction despite saying I would not. As I said above, I might well end up looking like an idiot but then I’ve had plenty of practice.